Passover and The Night To Be Much Observed

Passover and The Night To Be Much Observed   March 24, 1018 

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ observed the Passover throughout His life. His last Passover on the evening of the 14th of Nisan was recorded for us today.   

What is the first yearly festival to be observed each year?  

Leviticus 23:5 On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD's Passover. 

The Passover begins God's great Master Plan for the salvation of mankind. Jesus is our Passover 

1 Corinthians 5:7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 

What new way of observing the New Testament Passover did Jesus institute as He observed the Passover with His disciples shortly before His death?  

Luke 22:8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat." 

Luke 22:15 Then He {Jesus} said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 

While instituting the new symbols of unleavened bread and wine, picturing

Jesus broken body was for our physical healing. 

1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. 

Jesus gave three commands for His Passover Service. 

John 13:5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 

John 13:14-15 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. (15) For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 

Luke 22:19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 

Luke 22:20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 

Jesus instituted the New Testament symbols of  (1) the bread and (2) wine picturing His body and blood. He also added (3) foot washing to the observance to illustrate having a humble, serving attitude 

Have you ever wonder why we use this format for the Passover Service.  Because Jesus tells us by direct instruction to continue observe “these things” – the elements of the Passover service.  Jesus said: “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”  This including the bread and wine. 

Did the Apostle Paul confirm this: 

1 Corinthians 11:23-26  For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; (24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (25) In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 

The Passover is a memorial of Christ's sacrifice for our sins, which He wants Christians to especially remember every year. 

Annually, baptized members of the Body of Christ, on the evening of the same date (beginning at sunset because, in the Bible, days are counted from sunset to sunset), come together to review the Holy Scripture of Jesus personal heart to heart talk with His disciples and the true Lords prayer and partake of the holy symbols of bread and wine in remembering Jesus Christ and His incredible sacrifice for all mankind. 

Remember the 3 new commands, how Passover service was changed 

·      washing one another feet,

·      the bread and

·      the wine,  

had nothing whatsoever to do with the Old Testament observance of the Passover. It was 3 new commands for the very first time by Jesus, His disciples in all ages were to keep these 3 commands annually from that time forward! 

The Christian traditions shows the world that have little or nothing to do with biblical instruction, those who are determined to follow the Bible can honor God’s commanded Holy days—including the Passover observance—listed in Leviticus 23. 

The Night To Be Much Observed   

We get together each year in small family groups for an evening meal to observe a commanded Old Testament ceremony.  It is a night to assemble ourselves, have good food and enjoyable fellowship with one another. 

Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

We call this ceremony, night to be much observed or a night of solemn observance to the LORD, depends which translation we us. Why do we still observed this ceremony today.  

Exodus 12:40-41 Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. (41) And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years--on that very same day--it came to pass that all the armies of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. 

We know from Scriptures Egypt is used as a type of sin. 

Exodus 12:42 KJV  It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. 

NKJV says:  It is a night of solemn observance to the LORD 

These Scriptures is describing the Night to be Much Observed, not the Passover night.  There is a reason why Jesus established two different festivals. 

Passover, on the 14^th of Nisan, begin in the evening, at the beginning of the day with the killing of the lamb.  The death of the Savior shows that we have a part in His death by our sins on that night. 

We know, Nisan 15, is the First Day of Unleavened Bread, when the exodus of Israel occurred, this shows action if required of us to keep the relationship with Jesus going and growing. This is what we are to do something, that is,  to leave Egypt which is a type of leaving sin.  We are to leave sin. 

The “Night To Be Much Observed to the LORD”, is observed in remembrance of the night when Old Testament Israel was brought out from Egypt. 

Likewise, we observe this night as we are also like the Israel to come out of sin, we are led by Jesus as they were. 

When Israel was taken out of sin, they were then baptize in the Red Sea by the Lord (Jesus). 

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, (2) all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 

Exodus 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. (22) He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. 

We, as a church congregation and part of the Body of Christ today, celebrate this ceremony with a meal and with unleavened Bread, on the night portion of the First Day of Unleavened Bread.  

We hear and do this every year, observe the night and how does this really affect us, personally.  Have you ever wonder about this night.  We just read the only one verse in the Scriptures that even covers this.  Let’s look at this in a different light.   

We know that Jesus led the Nation of Israel out of or from sin.  Jesus had to die for us on the cross because of our sins that we have committed. So, we should observe this night to remember when Jesus took on our sins at the cross. 

Jesus takes away our sin and puts it on himself 

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 

Hebrews 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 

Jesus death removed God’s wrath  

Romans 5:9-11 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

By dying in our place for our sins, Christ removed the wrath of God that we justly deserved 

Jesus death takes away our condemnation 

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 

Jesus death reconciles us to God 

Colossians 1:21-22  And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled (22) in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight-- 

Jesus redeemed us from the following: 

There are three things we had to be released from:  

a.) the curse of the law,

b.) the guilt of our sin, and

c.) the power of sin.  

Curse of the law:    

Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 

Guilt of our sin:  

Romans 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 

Power of sin:   

1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 

1 Corinthians 6:20  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 

Jesus’s death wasn’t just an act of love, it defines love 

1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Jesus death defeated the power of Satan 

Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

Jesus paid for our spiritual and physical healing 

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The punishment that made us whole was upon him, and by His bruises we are healed. 

1 Peter 3:18 For the Messiah also suffered for sins once for all, an innocent person for the guilty, so that he could bring you to God. He was put to death in a mortal body but was brought to life by the Spirit, 

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that God's righteousness would be produced in us. 

So, what does these verses really tell us.  We notice that Israel on the “night to be observed” while leaving Egypt or leaving sin, they were Baptise by Jesus in the Red Sea.  

When we celebrate this night, we recognized that Jesus died on the cross and took our sin on Him.  We are told when we repent of our sins; we are to be Baptise into the name of Jesus, our Lord. 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus took Israel out of Sin (Egypt) and they were baptize.  On the night Jesus died, He took our sins on Himself and are told to be baptize. 

We just covered a number of things Jesus did for us.

Think about this as we celebrate the Night to be Observed with a meal is an occasion to truly rejoice before God as we acknowledge His personal intervention in our lives in leading us out of spiritual bondage to this world—out of “spiritual Egypt.” 

In conclusion, the Night To Be Much Observed is part of the very beginning of the Days of Unleavened Bread; and it gets the days off to a rousing and joyous start—by focusing on God's watchful oversight as He removes us from our bondage, and Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to lead us in His Way of Life.

Mark 15:22-16:20 Final hours of the Last Week - Part 3

Mark 15:22-16:20  Final hours of the Last Week - Part 3  

March 17, 2018 

Mark 15:22  And they took Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull.  

Just outside the city wall. 

Mark 15:23  Then they gave Him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. 

Jesus wanted to face the pain of the cross with a clear mind, and not “medicated” in any way. There is Biblical Scripture to back this up. 

*Proverbs 31:6 Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.    {women provided drink} 

Mark 15:24 Then they crucified him. They divided his clothes among themselves by throwing dice to see what each one would get. 

*Matthew 27:36 Then they sat down there and continued guarding him. 

*Psalms 22:18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.    {fulfillment of the prophecy) 

Mark 15:25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 

Just think, within 3 hours, Jesus to Jews to Pilate to cross. Not much time. 

Mark 15:26 The written notice of the charge against him read, "The king of the Jews." 

*John 19:19-22 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (20) Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

(21) Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews." (22) Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." 

The reason the Jews were upset, was because how Pilate wrote King of the Jews, H W H Y, spelled the name of God in Hebrew.  This is how Pilate got even with the Jews for what they have done to him. 

Mark 15:27  With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left.   {we know from Luke, they also mocked Jesus}  

Mark 15:28  So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS."   {Where in Scriptures}  

*Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.  {We see this refers to Jesus according to Mark} 

Mark 15:29 Those who passed by kept insulting him, shaking their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who were going to destroy the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days--      {still mocking Jesus in many ways – will they wept later} 

Mark 15:30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" 

Mark 15:31 In the same way the high priests, along with the scribes, were also making fun of him among themselves. They kept saying, "He saved others but can't save himself!  {Acts 6:7 – many Priest became Christians} 

Who is Jesus really saving, but you and me.   

Mark 15:32 Let the Messiah, the king of Israel, come down from the cross now, since seeing is believing!" Even the men who were crucified with him kept insulting him. 

*Luke 23:36-37 The soldiers also made fun of Jesus by coming up and offering him sour wine, (37) saying, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!" 

*John 19:27 Then he told the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.  (Took Care) 

The Death of Jesus     

Mark 15:33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.   {a full 3 hours of darkness)   

Mark 15:34 At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, eloi, lema sabachthani?", which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"    

Jesus is quoting Psalms 22:1, when the Father turn His back or forsake  Jesus, all sin was put on Jesus at that time. At that very moment Jesus was banished from the presence of God, for sin cannot exist in God’s presence. 

*Hebrews 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 

*1 John 2:2 It is he who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world's.   {and finally} 

*1 Peter 3:18 For the Messiah also suffered for sins once for all, an innocent person for the guilty, so that he could bring you to God. He was put to death in a mortal body but was brought to life by the Spirit, 

Mark 15:35  Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, "Look, He is calling for Elijah!" 

*John 19:28 After this, when Jesus realized that everything was now completed, he said (in order to fulfill the Scripture), "I'm thirsty." 

Mark 15:36 Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down." 

Mark 15:37 And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. 

        *John 19:30 After Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.  {At the very end, Jesus was still able to speak right up to the moment of His death} 

The Greek word “tetelestai” means “paid in full” because Jesus paid in full the debt of sin we owed.  Jesus released up His Spirit.   

Mark 15:38  Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 

*Matthew 27:51-52 Suddenly the curtain in the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, rocks were split open, (52) tombs were opened, and many saints who had died were brought back to life.     {  visible, immediate results of His death}    

The Father tore the vail from top to bottom to remove the separation from Him to us, so we have access to the Father through prayer. 

Mark 15:39 So when the centurion, who stood facing Jesus, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, "this Man certainly was the Son of God!"           (why did this saying, happen)    

*Matthew 27:54 When the centurion and those guarding Jesus with him saw the earthquake and the other things that were taking place, they were terrified and said, "This man certainly was the Son of God!"      (he glorified God - what other things?) 

*John 12:32 As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself." 

Mark 15:40 Now there were women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of young James and Joseph, and Salome.  

Mark 15:41 They used to accompany him and care for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with him were there, too.   

Finally, the faithful disciples of Jesus are revealed, His female followers.  The women knew what was coming, the guys did not. 

Jesus Is Buried    

Mark 15:42 Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,     (1^st Day of Unleavened Bread) 

Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, a highly respected member of the Council, who was waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. {Matt 27:57 - become a disciple of Jesus}    

Mark 15:44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. 

Mark 15:45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 

Joseph was known to Pilate (Tin ships) and had to be a next of kin.  

Mark 15:46  Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.  {Tombs very expensive} 

Mark 15:47 Now Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph observed where the body had been laid. 

The Resurrection 

Mark 16:1 Now when the Sabbaths was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.  {these women, proved themselves,most devoted followers} 

Sunday Morning 

1^st Day of Unleavened Bread and the weekly Sabbath

(Sabbaths were past:  The Greek, is plural) 

Salome was mother of James and John.  (Matt 27:56) 

Why spices:  Spices were not used for mummification, which was not a Jewish custom, but to offset the odors from the body decomposition.” 

Mark 16:2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.   (around 7 am then)  

Mark 16:3  And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" 

Notice they were not even expecting that the stone would be rolled away. 

Mark 16:4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away--for it was very large.       (Why rolled away?) 

*Matthew 28:2 Suddenly there was a powerful earthquake, because an angel of the Lord had come down from heaven, approached the stone, rolled it away, and was sitting on top of it. 

It was rolled away so that others could see in and be persuaded that Jesus Christ was risen from the dead. 

Mark 16:5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 

Mark focuses on the one angel  

*Luke 24:3-4 but when they went in, they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) While they were puzzling over this, two men in dazzling robes suddenly stood beside them. 

Mark 16:6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. {Not ashamed to be called of Nazareth–no good thing} 

Resurrection isn’t just living again; it is living again in a new body, based on our old body, New body is perfectly suited for life in eternity. 

*Matthew 28:5 Responding to the women, the angel said, "Stop being frightened! I know you're looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 

*Luke 24:6 He is not here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee: 

*Luke 24:8 Then the women remembered Jesus' words. 

The actual event of Jesus’ resurrection is nowhere described 

Mark 16:7  But go, tell His disciples--and Peter--that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you." 

Jesus are always fulfilled on His part. He said that He would meet them in Galilee and indeed 

*John 21:1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 

Mark 16:8  So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.   {they did not discuss it among themselves}   

*Luke 24:9 They returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven disciples and all the others. 

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene – These next verses did not exist in a few earliest Greek manuscripts, majority do include these passages. 

Mark 16:9  Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 

Mark 16:10  She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.   

Mark 16:11  And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.   

*Luke 24:11 But what they said seemed nonsense to them, so they did not believe them. 

Her testimony would not be considered reliable because she was a woman - but Jesus trusted her, even though the disciples did not. 

Mary Magdalene ran to tell Peter and John (Jn 20:2-10) and then lingered at the tomb after they left. It was then that Jesus appeared to her (Jn 20:11-18). 

*Luke 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. He stooped down and saw only the linen cloths. Then he went home, wondering about what had happened.  

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples 

Mark 16:12  After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country.  

*Luke 24:13 On the same day, two of Jesus' followers were walking to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 

*Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened, and they knew who he was. And he vanished from them. 

Mark 16:13  And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.    

They did not receive the testimony of these two men either. 

*Luke 24:35 Then the two men began to tell what had happened on the road and how they had recognized him when he broke the bread in pieces. 

The Great Commission 

Mark 16:14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 

Men still did not get it.  They could not escape responsibility.  The emphasis on these verses is the unbelief of the disciples.  

In the Jewish culture, the testimony of women was not acceptable in court. 

*Luke 24:36-37 While they were all talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and told them, "Peace be with you." (37) They were startled and terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. 

*Luke 24:39 Look at my hands and my feet, because it's really me. Touch me and look at me, because a ghost doesn't have flesh and bones as you see that I have."   {does this confirm ghosts?}       

*Luke 24:42-43 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, (43) and he took it and ate it in their presence.   {Jesus was hungry}  

*Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so that they might understand the Scriptures.       {were the disciples mind closed?} 

“The eleven” is a phrase for the remaining disciples, although only 10 were present. Thomas was absent. 

*John 20:30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not recorded in this book. 

Mark 16:15  And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.   {this is our marching orders}

 

This is a command, not a suggestion 

The idea of a faith that would go into all the world wasn’t a part of the Jewish or pagan thinking of Jesus’ day. It was revolutionary idea in its time. 

This command was not obeyed immediately; for many years, the disciples stayed at Jerusalem, and it was only until the church was persecuted that it began to spread out to the world.  Peter went first to the Gentile officer. 

Mark 16:16  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  {He must believe first, then baptize} 

Mark 16:17  And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 

Mark 16:18  they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."    { Jesus promise of divine power and protection} 

*Acts 1:3 After he had suffered, he had shown himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during a period of 40 days and telling them about the kingdom of God.  {now, they are excited} 

The Ascension 

*Luke 24:50-51 Later, he led them out as far as Bethany, lifted up his hands, and blessed them. (51) While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.   

Mark 16:19  So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 

*Acts 1:6-8 Now those who had gathered together began to ask Jesus, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" (7) He answered them, "It is not for you to know what times or periods the Father has fixed by his own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 

*Acts 1:9-11 After saying this, Jesus was taken up while those who had gathered together were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (10) While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, two men in white robes stood right beside them. (11) They asked, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go up into heaven." 

*Luke 24:52-53 They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. (53) They were continually in the Temple, blessing God. 

Mark 16:20  And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. 

This is an excellent pattern for Christian ministry in the world. The preaching came first, then the signs following; signs are to follow believers, instead of us follow after signs.